We live and die by ‘check off’
lists:
ü Graduate from High School
ü Graduate from College
ü Find spouse
ü Find job
ü Find house
ü vacation
ü Go to church
ü Pay bills
ü Have kids
ü Pay more bills
ü Save for retirement
Each check off item has a more
detailed check list that gets us to that goal. So it is an easy transition to
view ‘lists’ in scripture as tasks to be completed in order to be holy.
ü We must not
indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand
fell in a single day.
ü We must not
put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents,
ü nor
grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.
ü Now these
things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction,
on whom the end of the ages has come.
(I Cor 10:8-11)
Having completed our holy list, we
look with admiration that we have arrived.
Job complete.
But when we do not quite get our list
completed, we have the sense of failure…a determination to do better the next
day… an urgency to become what we know we should be.
However, ‘lists’ in scripture are
not tasks to be completed but mile-markers and sign posts on this holiness road
that lets us know we are on the right bus. We made the decision to entrust our
life in the driver’s hands, HE is in control and we are riding along, actively
embracing the journey.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and
drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus
serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue
what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:17-19)
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of
God, for whoever has entered God's rest
has also rested from his works as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
Lord, help me to rest and trust
You on this journey. Free me from the tyranny of task driven check lists and
help me embrace Your Spirit’s direction and control in my life.
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